Education Blog

Hello Rhythmic Music Students, Today we are going to have a whole bunch of fun with rhythms!  You will need to find two objects in your home that you can play rhythms with. For example, a spoon and paper plate, a pencil and an empty yogurt tub, a chopstick and a pot, etc. Then, have fun with the activities below!   1. First warm-up by reviewing your rhythms. Listen to the rhythm first, then repeat it. Div. 1 & 2 click here and play on the ti-ta-ti tab. Div. 3 & 4 click here and play on the ti-tica, tica-ti tab. Div. 5 & 6 click here and play on the tica-tica tab. Div. 7 & 8…

Hello Vocal Music Students, Do you remember that Mr. Stoffberg is a professional voice teacher?  As promised this week, he has provided some voice lessons for you to try at home. These vocal exercises will help you become a better singer. Here is a message from Mr. Stoffberg: I hope you enjoy this voice lesson. We tackle the basics and a little more. I know it may be a little long for you but I wanted to give you something you can grow into. Feel free to try a little of it at a time, or all of it. If it feels too high or low, just wait until it gets…

Hello Healthy Music Students! As you continue your learning at home or at school, it is very important to know how to correctly wash your hands for proper health and safety. First, let’s watch the World Health Organization’s hand washing video:  Did you catch all of the steps? If you are having trouble remembering, then let’s sing a song about it! Click on the picture below to see the lyrics and click on the music note below to hear the music.                   Grade 6-7 students, click here for your assignment this week. Please email me your completed work. Grade 4-5 students,…

Hello Singing Music Students, It has been a long time since we have been able to sing together. Today I thought I would post some singing activities for you to enjoy! First, let’s sing about “Why We Sing”. Primaries know this song from Primary Days of Music and can sing along. Intermediates can join in by reading the sheet music and lyrics. Next, here is an old favourite we know called “A Pizza Hut“. A perfect song to sing while you order Skip the Dishes. 😀 Next, have some fun with these melody exercises and games. Primaries click here. Intermediates click here. Lastly, did you know our Parkcrest student teacher…

Hello Excellent Music Students, SO EXCITING! Did you remember that our second live performance of the year was going to be the Vancouver Opera visiting our school to perform the indigenous story “Flight of the Hummingbird”? Well guess what?! They are presenting their performance through live streaming for all schools. I know that many Parkcrest staff are watching the performance and I hope that many students will watch the performance as well. Click on the video below for a synopsis of the story:  Now click on the video below to watch the performance:  Afterwards try this Flight of the Hummingbird dance activity and invite your younger siblings to join…

Hello Accomplished Music Students, Thank-you to those of you that have been able to complete music assignments during this time of distance learning.  Today I thought I would encourage the rest of you to complete some music learning during your flex time, by sharing examples of student work (with permission). I am so impressed by Parkcrest students! Here are a few examples to share: 1. Abigail Santos in Div. 8 created her own song and sent it to me through email. Click below to hear a sample from her song “Rainbow ‘Cross the Sky”.  2. Candi Lee in Div. 2 printed out the sheet music posted for the song “Hymn to Freedom”.…

Hello Incredible Music Students, Did you know that today, is a very special day for TWO reasons? Today, all across Canada, is an important day called Music Monday. Music Monday happens every year on the first Monday of May. It is a time where music students all across Canada learn the same song. This year the song is called Hymn to Freedom (click to hear the song).  Can you learn the tune and sing along? Here is the Hymn to Freedom Sheet Music if you would like to play along too! I would love for you to record yourself singing or playing the song and send it to my email: liz.vaesen@burnabyschools.ca…

Hello Wonderful Music Students,   I hope you all enjoyed a day off from your school work for our Pro-D day yesterday! The teachers at Parkcrest attended many different online workshops aimed at helping us teach you better virtually. I noticed last week that only a few students were able to complete the music activities that I posted, and I want you to know..that is ok. It is important that you complete your classroom assignments first and then come here to enjoy some extra “flex” work when you can. Parents, I know that you are very busy helping your children with their school work at home and we teachers appreciate…

Hello Amazing Music Students, I am so excited this morning to share with you some fun online music activities for you to do this week in your flex learning time. Remember to finish the work from your classroom teachers first! Primary students: Test your rhythm knowledge here (click on “Which Rhythm Do You Hear? on the top right).         Tell me your score in the comments below. (Div. 7 & 8 play level #2 / Div. 5 & 6 play level #6) Test your melody knowledge here and tell me your three scores in the comments below.                      …

Hello Fantastic Music Students, Congratulations to Ava Montagano who guessed my favourite composer, Hans Zimmer! Hans is a German born composer who has created incredible music for over 150 movies. He is the composer for The Lion King, Dunkirk and The Pirates of the Caribbean. His newest project is to compose the music for the upcoming new James Bond film. Here is a picture of Hans: Now let’s watch a live symphony performance of Hans Zimmer’s composition The Pirates of the Caribbean. Can you count how many different instruments he has to write the music for? There are so many parts playing at the same time. Intermediate Choir students, I wonder…